The most festive time of the year is here. Decorations are going up, trees are being adorned with bobbles, bangles and lights, candles are being lighted, fireplaces are being used to bring a special warmth and glow, and parties are appropriately honoring the season. Holiday memories last a lifetime and with a little caution, those memories will all be happy.

The Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter of the American Red Cross urges families to exercise care during the holidays when decorating with candles, cooking holiday meals and driving to and from holiday celebrations.

Avoid potential dangers associated with Christmas tree decorations: purchase laboratory tested Christmas lights; unplug tree lights when leaving home or going to bed; and do not adorn metal trees with lights.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly 600 fires per year are started by ignition of Christmas trees causing an average of 33 deaths, 117 injuries and $23 million in direct property damage. Traditionally, the Atlanta area sees an increase in fires during the holiday season.

Home heating safety ideas include inspecting fireplace chimneys for chemical buildup which can cause chimney fires and keeping space heaters at least three feet away from anything combustible. While heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires in the United States, most of these fires can be prevented with proper understanding and use, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Other seasonal cautions advise people to keep Christmas trees fresh; watch wood stoves; cook with care; designate a driver; buckle up; prepare a winter storm plan; and enroll in a first aid or CPR course.

For more than 80 years, the American Red Cross has been a national leader in health and safety education. In 1996, the Red Cross trained nearly 12 million people in CPR, first aid, aquatics and water safety, caregiving, HIV/AIDS and community disaster education.

To obtain more safety program infornation or to enroll in a Red Cross course, contact the South Metro Red Cross Service Center at 770-961-2552. The center is located at 1115 Mount Zion Rd., Suite H, in Morrow.

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